Easter is one of the best times to visit for a wide range of activities at the four-star Visitor Centre.

The River South Esk runs into the basin from inland and there is a long sandy beach just in front of the town with amusements, cafes and a playground. The great Scottish railway journey that most people think of is the “Hogwarts” line from Fort William to Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. However, beautiful though that is, for my money, the other side of the country offers some equally stunning scenery from a train window.

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Tay Rail Bridge

Even when the East Coast Line – having offered a few tantalising glimpses of Carnoustie’s golf links – bends away from the beach, the views are still stunning as farmland with vibrant gorse bushes gives way to woodland.

Once past Dundee – reputedly Scotland’s sunniest city – where Verdant Works tells the story of the city’s jute heritage, the line crosses the Tay Rail Bridge, with its unparalleled panoramic views over the Tay estuary, into Fife.

Here again, the left-hand seat pays dividends as Edinburgh and the Lothians appear on the opposite side of the Firth of Forth I find there’s something magical about spotting what comes into view over the water. It takes me back to that imaginary yacht again.

However, the best bit of the trip is yet to come with the ascent to the Forth Rail Bridge – one of Scotland’s most iconic structures that ranks as one of the great feats of civilization.

Being inside that structure of girders and rivets would be enough, but you also get the most astonishing views up and down the firth.

Before long the train rushes through the suburbs of the Capital and, suddenly, out of a tunnel, I find myself blinking up at the castle on one side and Princes Street on the other.

It’s a trip worth taking, in whole or in parts, so make sure you get your tickets in the Big April Adventures ballot to experience your own journey of discovery.